Upcoming Events
SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE STATUS ORDERS (SIJS) FOR PRO BONO CLIENTS, 1:00pm-2:15pm, November 21, 2024, Bar Association of San Francisco & Immigrant Legal Defense Program (on-line only).
The Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco (JDC) is offering a bew pro bono program to obtain SIJS orders for minor children enrolled in public schools in San Francisco This training will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain SIJS orders in a family and probate court. It is targeted toward attorneys who have some famililarity with guardianship and custody matters Through this training, attorneys will recieve an overview of SIJS, a pathway to lawful permanent residence for children who have been abused, neglected, or abandoned by one or both parents, along with the specific steps on how to complete and file all necesary paperwork for SIJS orders in San Francisco. Participants who agree to take on at least one pro bono client will recieve this training for free. Join Deborah H. Wald; Moderator Antonia More, Director and Managing Attorney, Pro Bono Legal Services JDC; Joyeta Basu, Staff Attorney, Legal Services for Children; and Milli Atkinson, Program Director, Immigrant Legal Defence Program JDC. 1 hour MCLE.
DO IT YOURSELF ADOPTION WORKSHOP 6-8pm Monday December 16, 2024 (on-line only) sponsored by Our Family Coalition.
Join attorneys Deborah Wald, Emily Doskow and Ora Prochovnick. Hear and ask questions of experienced adoption attorneys about the law and procedures for LGBTQ+ adoptions. In this workshop you will be completing paperword together and will be able to leave with this aspect of the process complete. A packet of forms will be sent prior to the workshop.
Past Events Include:
PARENTING ORDERS FOR NEURODIVERSE, GENDER DIVERSE CHILDREN AND/OR PARENTS Monday, November 18, 2024, 6pm-8pm via ZOOM, Sponsored by the Orange County Chapter of ACFLS 2024 Annual Speaker Series “Complex Child Custody Issues”.
More children are diagnosed with “special needs”, “gender identity” issues or have parents who may be similarly diagnosed (or undiagnosed). This program will provide the latest understanding of diagnoses and how they affect individuals to help you navigate the importance of designating legal and physical custody. Join Deboarh Wald and Daniel Pickar, Ph.D for an informative discussion.
In addition, join Deborah Wald for a discussion titled “Impact & Uncertainties following California’s Ban on Adoption Facilitation”.
NAVIGATING COMPLEXITIES IN CONFLICTED FAMILIES: STRATEGIES FOR CHILDREN WITH NEURODIVERSITY AND/OR SPECIAL NEEDS Friday, October 25, 2024, All Day Seminar, Dante Event Center, 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd, Sacramento CA. Sponsored by AFCC-California, Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP, Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS), California Lawyers Association, Family Law Section, Our Family Wizard Soberlink, and Sacramento County Public Law Library.
Join Deboarh Wald and numerous other professionals including Diane E. Wasznickly JD CFLS, Frank Davis PhD, Jessica Wharton LMFT, Angelina Ray JD MA, Hon. Jaya Badiga, Hon, Margaret Gibson, and Deborah Cromer JD (CLC) for a worthwhile all day seminar.
CALIFORNIA GUARDIANSHIP LAW 2024 9am-12:30pm Wednesday, June 12, 2024 (in person or online), PLI California 455 Market Street Ste 2300, San Francisco, Sponsored by the Practising Law Institute (PLI).
9:15am OVERVIEW OF GUARDIANSHIP OF THE PERSON IN CALIFORNIA. Join attorneys Deborah Wald, Meera N. Balat and David White. This session will provide an overview of guardianship of the person, including determining when a guardianship is necessary, alternatives to guardianship, the rights and duties of guardians, and procesural issues, among other topics.
11:15am POST-GUARDIANSHIP PROCEEDINGS AND SPECIAL ISSUES IN CALIFORNIA. Join attorneys Deborah Wald, Ylianna Perez-Guerrero and Laura Sullivan Van Zandt. This session will discuss post-guardianship proceedings and special issues, such as special immigrant juvenile status, ICWA and joint-guardianships, among other topics.
GENDER IN ALL IT’S SPLENDOR: EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATING FOR GENDER DIVERSE MINORS Saturday & Sunday, March 16-17, 2024, Cliffs Hotel Pismo Beach, Sponsored by the San Luis Obispo County Bar Association.
Join attorney Deborah Wald and Diane Ehrensaft, PhD for an informative discussion. MCLE credit available.
ADVANCED ISSUES IN REPRODUCTIVE LAW Saturday, March 16, 2024, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, Sponsored by the Academy of California Adoption-ART Lawyers (ACAL).
ACAL’s annual seminar will focus on Family Matters: ART, Adoption and the Law. Join attorneys Deborah Wald and Ralph M. Tsong for a discussion on advanced issues in reproductive law. There will be plenty of time for questions.
In addition, join Deborah Wald for a discussion titled “Impact & Uncertainties following California’s Ban on Adoption Facilitation”.
THE ART OF UNLEARNING BIAS, SEEDS Fall Conference November 2-3, 2023, SEEDS (Society for Ethics for Egg Donation & Surrogacy), Irvine Marriott, CA.
Join Deborah H. Wald, CFLS, and Jaime Gher, Esq. for an informative discussion.
Bay Area Family Law attorneys are being asked to address an increasing number of issues involving transgender parents and transgender/non-conforming children. This program will provide an overview of some of the issues these cases raise, including an analysis of the practical implications of recent legislative efforts to make CA a “sanctuary state” for transgender children needing gender affirming healthcare. Join Deborah H. Wald, CFLS, for an informative discussion. 1 hour MCLE.
THE DOBBS DECISION – WHAT FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DECISION AND ITS AFTERMATH, 46th Annual Symposium May 5-7, 2023, American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers – Northern California Chapter, Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa, CA.
Join Deborah H. Wald, CFLS, and NCLR Senior Staff Attorney Amy Whelan for an informative discussion.
DIFFICULT CUSTODY ISSUES IN HIGH CONFLICT CASES: A PRACTICAL APPROACH FOR JUDGES AND PRACTITIONERS, March 24-26, 2023, Panel 3, Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS) Spring Seminar 2023, Rancho Las Palmas Resort, Rancho Mirage, CA.
Topics to include complexities of handling child custody cases involving intimate partner violence, a child’s refusal to visit with a parent, and conflict between more than two parental decision-makers. Join Deborah H. Wald, CFLS, the Honorable Judge Monica Wiley, Supervising Judge of the SF Unified Family Court, and Dr. Robert Simon for an informative discussion.
THE DOBBS DECISION – WHAT FAMILY LAW PRACTITIONERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DECISION AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR CLIENTS 12-1:15pm Tuesday August 30, 2022 Sponsored by Bar Association of San Francisco Family Law Section. This is an online only event. MCLE Registration 11:30am-12pm event code G220911
Topics to include implications for women needing abortions, access to healthcare more generally (including transgender individuals), broader implications for assisted reproduction law and those stemming from the right to privacy, parentage, parenting and marriage. NOTE: topics may change because the situation is evolving daily. Join Deborah H. Wald, CFLS, and Legal Director Shannon Minter for an informative discussion. 1 hour of MCLE provided.
CALIFORNIA GUARDIANSHIP LAW 2022, Monday May 2, 2022, (Watch Online or Attend in Person).
Learn the basics of California guardianship law and procedure so that you can competently represent a child or adult petitioner to establish a guardianship of the person. You will learn how to represent parties in both uncontested and contested guardianship proceedings. This program is intended for attorneys who will take pro bono cases with legal services agencies throughout the state and does not constitute qualification for court-appointed minor’s counsel. Join Deborah H. Wald, Leticia Toledo, David White, Naomi Brandes, Alexis Moody, and Laura Sullivan Van Zandt for an informative discussion.
“I DARE YOU TO PARENT ME”: FROM PROBLEM TO SOLUTION IN REFUSE/RESIST CASES – ANNUAL CUSTODY SEMINAR, Friday October 8, 2021, Arden Hills Club & Spa, Sacramento CA. Co-sponsored by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, California Chapter (AFCC-CA), Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP, the Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS), and the California Lawyers Association, Family Law section (8 hours of MCLE and BBS/CPA CEUs ARE available).
ATTORNEYS AS FIRST RESPONDERS: FIRST DO NO HARM! How can attorneys zealously represent their clients without creating a larger problem for the child who resists contact with a parent? Holding multiple hypotheses about the case while creating a problem-solving team of professionals who work toward the family’s best interests is a start. Join Deborah H. Wald, Hon. Marjorie Slabach, Commissioner (retired) and Michelle Hahn, JD, from 11:15-12:45pm for an informative discussion.
DONOR CONCEPTIONS: TO KNOW OR NOT TO KNOW, THAT IS THE QUESTION June 16-19, 2021, (Virtual Event) Sponsored by the ABA Section of Family Law 2021 Spring CLE Conference
Join Deborah H. Wald, Amanda E. Troxler, Esq., Wilma Eusman, Advocaat (Netherlands), and Carole LieberWilkins, MA, MFT, for a plenary CLE session. This session will focus on the issues involving anonymity with sperm, egg and embryo donation today. Panelists will address the issues and application of known vs. unknown donations in the context of today’s technology-driven world. Panelists will provide mental health, legal, international, and agency perspectives as they advise attorneys on how to identify new issues with anonymous vs. known donor contracts and craft model language for known donations.
MEN HAVING BABIES WEST COAST SURROGACY CONFERENCE, May 14-16, 2021 (Virtual Event)
Deborah H. Wald and members of the Wald Law Group will participate in this comprehensive program for gay men who want to become parents.
HANDLING ASSISTED REPRODUCTION CASES IN THE AGE OF COVID 9am – 12:30pm March 27, 2021 (Virtual Event) Sponsored by the Academy of California Adoption-ART Lawyers (ACAL).
ACAL’s annual seminar will focus on the impact COVID has had on assisted reproduction. We will hear from Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. Aimee Eyzzavadeh about egg donation and surrogacy during the pandemic. Attorneys Deborah Wald and Richard B. Vaughn will then walk participants through every stage of an assisted reproduction matter, from matching through contracting through pregnancy and delivery, including any travel issues. There will be plenty of time for questions.
“I DARE YOU TO PARENT ME”: FROM THE PROBLEM TO THE SOLUTION IN REFUSE/RESIST CASES, Friday September 18, 2020, Sponsored by AFCC-CA & Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP
Attorneys are often the first responders refuse/resist cases. Join Deborah H. Wald, attorney Michelle Hahn, and commissioner and private judge Marjorie Slabach for an Attorney/Client panel addressing how attorneys can assist families where a child is refusing/resisting spending time with a parent.
LOVE IS LOVE. GAY FATHERHOOD: BUILDING YOUR BIOLOGICAL FAMILY 4:00-5:30 PM Wednesday June 24, 2020 (Online Event) Sponsored by Pacific Fertility Center.
In honor of PRIDE, Pacific Fertility Center invites you to discuss building your biological family as a man. Participants will have the opportunity to speak with attorney Deborah Wald, PFC Dr. Isabelle Ryan, Sam Chally of Northwest Surrogacy Center, and Michelle Meow, podcast and radio host. The online event via Zoom is designed to enable participation while maintaining privacy.
THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF USING EGG DONATION & SURROGACY TO BECOME A PARENT IN CALIFORNIA 7:00-8:00PM Saturday May 23, 2020 (Webinar via ZOOM) Sponsored by Adorable Life Healthcare.
This live webinar series is to help prospective parents in China understand how the process of using assisted reproduction technology works in the US from a legal, medical, psychological and financial standpoint, with an emphasis on egg donation and surrogacy. In this webinar, Ms. Wald will address the legal aspects.
IMPROVING OUTCOMES FOR TRAUMATIZED FAMILY LAW LITIGANTS (Plenary 4) 8:30-10:30AM Sunday February 9, 2020 Sponsored by Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, California Chapter (AFCC-CA) 2020 Annual Conference, Park Central Hotel, 50 Third Street, San Francisco.
Join Deborah H. Wald, Hon. Monica F. Wiley, Supervising Judge, San Francisco Unified Family Court, Gina Castro Rodriguez, PsyD, Chief of Victims Services and Parallel Justice Programs, San Francisco District Attorneys Office, and Leslie M. Drozd, Clinical and Forensic Psychology for this plenary session. It is well-established that trauma can impact memory, affect, and cognitive functioning. When traumatized parents end up in litigation over custody of their children, the impacts of the trauma can undermine their ability to act in their own interests and in the interests of their kids. They often frustrate their attorneys, fare poorly in custody evaluations, and present badly in court. Their negativity about their children’s other parents can cause them to be mislabeled as alienators; their inability to recall details of their trauma makes them suspect as witnesses; and their constant need for reassurance makes them exhaust as clients. This panel will address the particular challenges that prevent traumatized parents from successfully navigating the family court system from the perspectives of both mental health professionals and legal professionals, with a goal of providing new insights and approaches that will assist all involved with these challenging cases.
SOLVING THE PARENTAGE PUZZLE 12:00-1:30PM Wednesday January 22, 2020 Sponsored by the Alameda County Bar Association Family Law Section, ACBA New Office, 1000 Broadway Ste 290, Oakland CA.
What is a “natural parent” under California Law? To whom does the “conclusive marital presumption of parentage” apply? Is there such a thing as a “voluntary declaration of maternity?” Under what circumstances will a court determine that a child has more than two legal parents? Join Deborah H. Wald, Certified Family Law Specialist, as she reviews the legal principals governing parentage law with a focus on the application of marital presumptions, multi-parent families, and the changes coming with regard to Voluntary Declarations of Parentage.
COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE FOR NON-TRADITIONAL FAMILIES 12-1:30PM Thursday November 21, 2019 sponsored by the Collaborative Practice Group of San Mateo County, First Floor Conference Room, 155 Bovet Road, San Mateo.
Join Deborah H. Wald and Dr. Frank Davis for an informative discussion.
CALIFORNIA FAMILY AND PROBATE LAW IN THE IMMIGRATION CONTEXT 10:50-11:50AM Saturday November 9, 2019 Sponsored by American Immigration Lawyers Association California Chapter (AILA), Monterey Convention Center, Monterey California.
Panelists will provide cutting edge updates on Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) litigation and give advice on dealing with visa wait times and complex SIJS cases, particularly AB-900 guardianships. They also will discuss enforcement of affidavits of support, especially in light of the recent White House memorandum on the subject. Lastly, the panelists will explore how to resolve issues in family court, including potentially invalid divorces or marriages. Join Deborah H. Wald and Annaluisa Padilla, AILA past president.
SOLVING THE PARENTAGE PUZZLE 12-1:00PM Thursday November 7, 2019 sponsored by the California Lawyers Association, course number FL_11-07-19.
California parentage law keeps changing, and there are very significant changes set to go into effect on January 1, 2020. Join Deborah H. Wald, CFLS, as she reviews the legal principals governing parentage law, with a focus on multi-parent families and on the changes coming with regard to Voluntary Declarations of Parentage. 1 participatory MCLE credit and 1 Legal Specialization in Family Law credit.
BIG CHANGES COMING IN PARENTAGE LAW – SOLVING THE PARENTAGE PUZZLE 12-1:30PM Thursday September 26, 2019 Sponsored by Bar Association of San Francisco Family Law Section, San Francisco Superior Court Room 617, 400 McCallister Street, San Francisco.
What is a “natural parent under California Law? What is the difference between “alleged” and “presumed” fathers? Is there such a thing as a “voluntary declaration of maternity”? Under what circumstances will a court determine that a child has more than two legal parents? Join Deborah H. Wald, CFLS, as she reviews the legal principals governing parentage law, with a focus on multi-parent families and on the changes coming with regard to Voluntary Declarations of Parentage. 1 hour of MCLE will be provided by the San Francisco Superior Court.
ESTABLISHING AND PROTECTING PARENTAGE FOR LGBTQ AND NON-TRADITIONAL FAMILIES 3:30-5PM Thursday May 30, 2019 Sponsored by Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) 56th Annual Conference, Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Protecting the parent-child relationship is critical for healthy families. This workshop will provide the necessary tools for practitioners to assess and pursue legal parentage and custody for LGBTQ families, non-traditional families, and families using Assisted Reproductive Technology. Join Deborah H. Wald, Joyce Kauffman, MEd, JD, Kelly D, Jordan, and Christine Kim for an informative discussion.
REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS IN THE US: WHERE ARE WE? 10:15-11:15AM Friday May 17, 2019 Sponsored by Northeastern School of Law, Women in the Law Annual Conference, Northeastern University School of Law, Boston Massachusetts.
Join Deborah H. Wald, Leda Anderson, Dr. Neena Qasba, Jamie Sabiano, and Karen O’Malley as the panalists discuss the current state of reproductive rights in the US and where we go from here.
DISCLOSURE AND ANONYMITY: THE IMPACT OF GENEALOGY AND TESTING ON ADOPTION AND ART, Wednesday May 8, 2019 8:45-10:45am Plenary Session, Sponsored by Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys 2019 Annual Conference: THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME: EXPLORING FAMILY FORMATION IN THE EMERALD CITY.
Join Deborah H. Wald, Andrea Braverman Ph.D. and Susan L. Crockin JD for an informative plenary session.
FAMILY IS AS FAMILY DOES: THE MANY FLAVORS OF MODERN FAMILIES 10:05AM-12:05Pm Saturday March 16, 2019 Sponsored by ACAL/ACFFL Annul Seminar and Loyola Law School, Loyola Law School Giardi Advocacy Center, 919 Albany Street, Los Angeles.
Join Deborah H. Wald and Diane Goodman for an informative discussion.
LGBTQX FAMILY BUILDING OPTIONS, 1-4PM, Saturday October 27, 2018, Sponsored by Fairfax Egg Bank, Fairfax Cryobank, and PRS Patient Services; SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market Street, San Francisco.
Join Deborah H. Wald and a panel of experts for an afternoon session exploring family building options with representatives discussing Sperm Donation, Egg Donation, Insemination Services, Personal Sperm Banking, as well as Legal and Mental Health Considerations.
WHO’S CHILD AM I? THE FERTILIZATION OF ART AND MARITAL PRESUMPTIONS, 10:30-11:30 am, Friday October 5, 2018, Sponsored by ABA Family Law Section Fall CLE Meeting, October 3-6 2018, JW Marriott Tuscon Starr Resort and Spa, Tucson AZ.
Join attorneys Deborah H. Wald and Eric I. Wrubel for an informative discussion.
EXTREME SITUATIONS CALL FOR EXTREME MEASURES: WHEN A RESTRAINING ORDER IS NOT ENOUGH, Saturday February 3, 2018, Sponsored by Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC-CA) Annual Conference, February 2-4, 2018, Park Central Hotel, San Francisco.
Join Deborah H. Wald , Frank Davis, PhD., Richmond Assistant Police Chief Bisa French, and Jennifer Bawden, Director Safe at Home Program, for an informative discussion.
ASSISTED REPRODUCTION LAW: A NEW FRONTIER FOR FAMILY LAW ATTORNEYS AND MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS, Weds Oct 11, 2017 1-2pm (webinar), Sponsored by Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).
Join Deborah H. Wald for an informative discussion.
CURRENT CRITICAL ISSUES IN FAMILY LAW – ADDRESSING THE FAMILY LAW NEEDS OF LGBTQ CLIENTS, PART I , Friday September 22, 2017, Sponsored by AFCC-CA & Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP, Arden Hills Resort and Spa, 1220 Arden Hills Lane, Sacramento CA 95864
Join Deborah H. Wald and Frank Davis, PhD for an informative discussion. Lesbian, gay and transgender clients have walked a different path on their way to family court. It is important for attorneys, judges and mental health professionals to be aware of how these families’ experiences differ from the experiences of more traditional families. This session will address the ways that lesbians and gay men become parents, including the use of assisted reproduction, and the implications of these choices within the context of custody proceedings. Contact Lindie Newlin at (916) 455-5200 or Lindie@DivorceWithRespect.com for full registration materials, brochure, and continuing education information.
TO BE ANONYMOUS OR NOT TO BE ANONYMOUS, THAT IS THE QUESTION: THE IMPACT OF ANONYMITY OR OPENNESS IN SPERM AND EGG DONATION, Monday Sept 18, 2017, Sponsored by Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys Midyear Conference: MASTER THE MAGIC OF FAMILY BUILDING: Reproductive Technology Law in a Changing World.
Join moderator Deborah H. Wald, speakers Alice Ruby (Sperm Bank of California) and Robyn Perchick (Beverly Hills Egg Donation), and attorney Emily Doskow for an informative discussion.
IMPLICIT BIAS AND MICROAGRESSIONS IN ASSISTED REPRODUCTION LAW, Monday Sept 18, 2017, Sponsored by Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys Midyear Conference: MASTER THE MAGIC OF FAMILY BUILDING: Reproductive Technology Law in a Changing World.
Join Deborah H. Wald and attorney Diane Goodman for an informative discussion.
ALTERNATIVES TO MARRIAGE, Wednesday Aug 2, 2017, 7pm live broadcast, Sponsored by Your Legal Rights, KALW Radio 91.7FM hosted by Chuck Finney.
Join Deborah H. Wald and attorneys BJ Fadem and Jason J. Etler who will be addressing the rights and responsibilities associated with domestic partnerships, as well as touching on polyamorous family arrangements and the law as it relates to children parented by more than two adults.
POST-ELECTION SOLIDARITY: BUILDING ALLIANCES ACROSS RACE, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY, IMMIGRATION STATUS AND PRACTICE AREAS, Wednesday Aug 2, 2017, 10:45am-12:15pm, presented by National LGBT Bar Association 29th Annual Lavender Law Conference & Career Fair.
This workshop has been approved for CLE Ethics credit
As monumental struggles for legal protections are unfolding in diverse communities across the country, we have opportunities to support allied campaigns and to learn from each other across common struggles. This workshop will explore the role of cross-movement solidarity and lawyering in building transformative change. We will address both the challenges and opportunities involved in building strong alliances across identities and boundaries. We will explore legal strategies for tackling issues that have commonalities not only across diverse LGBTQ communities but across other communities as well; and techniques for sustaining and deepening cross-movement and cross-issue lawyering. The workshop will also address the logistical, ethical, and practical “nuts and bolts” of how non-profit organizations, community groups, and corporate law firms can maximize their resources to collaborate on rapid-response advocacy and outreach to support LGBTQ communities facing new challenges in this complex social climate. The code of professional ethics is a foundation for this discussion. Join moderator Deborah H. Wald, and speakers Flor Bermudez, Nishan Bhaumik, Susan Belinda Christian, Kelly Dermody, Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, Virginia Goggin, and Richard Saenz for an informative discussion.
THE NEXT ROUND OF LITIGATION AFTER OBERGEFELL, Wednesday July 26, 2017 9-10am, presented by ABA Section Family Law Litigation Committee.
Join moderator Rita M. Aquilio, Esq., and panelists Deborah H. Wald, Debra E. Guston, Esq. and Helen E. Casale, Esq. for an informative dial-in panel discussion. In 2015, the United States Supreme Court held in the landmark Obergefell v. Hodges decision that the Constitution guarantees the right of same-sex couples to marry as “a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of the person.” Since Obergefell, state and federal courts have applied the decision widely, to protect the rights and benefits of married same-sex couples, as spouses and parents. Join this distinguished panel to hear about key cases that challenge state anti-Obergefell legislation. These include barriers to birth certificates, government employee benefits, sexual-orientation discrimination and transgender student bathroom access.
A LAWYER’S GUIDE TO EMBRYOS Sponsored by American Academy of Assisted Reproductive Technology Attorneys (AAARTA) Annual Meeting in Montreal, Canada May 7-10, 2017.
Join Deborah H. Wald and Susan L. Crockin, JD of the O’Neill Institute for a compelling discussion and updates on the laws surrounding embryos.
THE CHANGING AND CONFLICTING STATE OF PARENTAGE – CUSTODY, ADOPTION AND ASSISTED REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY 11-12pm Wednesday May 3, 2017 Sponsored by the ABA Section of Litigation LGBT Forum, Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco
Join Deborah H. Wald and Moderator Lenore F Carpenter Esq., Debra E. Guston, Esq., and Cathy Sakimura, Esq. for a discussion on the new trends and the law involving adoption, custody and assisted reproductive technology as it specifically relates to the LGBT community.
MICROAGRESSION IN FAMILY FORMATION AND ADOPTION LAW PRACTICES 10:45-11:45am Saturday March 18, 2017 Sponsored by ACAL/ACFFL and Loyola Law School, Loyola Law School Giardi Advocacy Center, 919 Albany Street, Los Angeles
Join Deborah H. Wald and Diane Goodman for an informative discussion.
LEARN IT, DO IT YOURSELF! DOMESTIC PARTNER & SECOND PARENT ADOPTION WORKSHOP 6-8pm, Wednesday March 15, 2017 Sponsored by Our Family Coalition
Join Deborah H. Wald for a hands on workshop.
IT TAKES A VILLAGE: ADDRESSING CHILDREN’S ATTACHMENTS TO MULTIPLE PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS Sunday February 12, 2017, Costa Mesa, CA Sponsored by The Association of Family and Concilation Courts California Chapter, Westin South Coast Plaza
Join Deborah H. Wald, JD, CFLS, Hon. Amy M. Pellman, and Philip M. Stahl, Ph.D, ABPP, for an informative discussion.
LEGAL STATUS OF SURROGACY ACROSS THE USA AND CANADA – CONTRACTS, SECURING PARENTAGE RIGHTS 4:30-5:15pm Sunday January 15, 2017 Sponsored by Our Family Coaltion and Men Having Babies, The 2017 SF Surrogacy Conference, Marines Memorial Club 609 Sutter Street
Join Deborah H. Wald and Moderator Anthony Brown, Esq./MHB Board, Tabitha Lundberg Koh, J.D./NWSC, Ellen Trachman, Esq./Colorado Surrogacy and Alex MacNab, LLB/Moe Hannah for an informative discussion.
A FAMILY LAWYERS GUIDE TO ASSISTED RERODUCTION LAW (Family Law Section, Program 37) Friday September 30, 2016, San Diego, CA Sponsored by The State Bar of California 89th Annual Meeting, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Can a woman get pregnant through IVF before her dissolution is final without her husband being the legal father? When is a man a sperm donor and not a father? Is “traditional surrogacy” legal in California? Family law attorneys increasingly are confronting assisted reproduction issues in our practices. This program will provide an overview of California assisted reproduction law. Join Deborah H. Wald and Richard B. Vaughn, Esq. for an informative discussion. CLE credit available.
FORMING AND PROTECTING LGBT FAMILIES Thursday July 14, 2016, 3-3:45pm, The Sheraton Fisherman’s Wharf, SF, CA. Sponsored by AXA Advisors.
Join Deborah H. Wald for an informative discusson including Q&A.
DISCUSSION ON THE LAW AND GUARDIANSHIPS Wednesday June 29, 2016, 7pm, live broadcast Sponsored by Your Legal Rights, KALW Radio 91.7FM, hosted by San Mateo Deputy District Attorney Chuck Finney
Join Deborah Wald for a live on-air discussion and Q&A.
RUBBER MEET ROAD: Cross-over Issues for ART and Family Law (ART Plenary CLE Session) Saturday May 14, 2016, Carlsbad, CA Sponsored by American Bar Association (ABA) May 11-14, 2016 Section of Family Law Spring Conference, Atlantis Paradise Island, One Casino Drive, Nassau, Paradise Island Bahamas
From the establishment of parentage for children born through ART to the control of embryos in the context of divorce, domestic relations/ART law crossover issues challenge lawyers and the Courts. Join Schedule of Events 8 1605 for our panel of Family Law and ART practitioners as they discuss this complex and fascinating area of law. Moderator: Michelle A. Keeyes, Esq., La Mesa, CA, and speakers Deborah H. Wald, Joyce Kauffman, Esq., Cambridge, MA, Ronald W. Nelson, Esq., Lenexa, KS, and Steven P. Shewmaker, Esq., Atlanta, GA.
SURROGACY IN A POST-OBERGEFELL WORLD Saturday May 7, 2016, Sponsored by AAAA/AAARTA Annual Conference May 4-7 2016, Denver, CO
Join attorneys Deborah H. Wald, Debra E. Guston, and moderator Vicki Ferarra for an update on how the SCOTUS decision impacts surrogacy and 2nd parent adoptions.
FAMILY FORMATION 2016 – Legal and Ethical Issues for Adoptin and ART Professionals Saturday March 12, 2016 8:30am-2:45pm, Loyola Law School (Girardi Advocacy Center), 919 Albany Street, Los Angeles, CA Sponsored by Academy of California Adoption Lawyers and the Academy of California Family Formation Lawyers
Join attorneys Deborah H. Wald and Professor Douglas NeJaime, UCLA Professor of Law, for an informative discussion on the recognition and elimination of bias in the legal profession and society. MCLE credit available.
BASF ANNUAL FAMILY LAW UPDATES AND STRATEGIES Saturday February 27, 2016 8:30am-4:30pm, BASF Conference Center, 301 Battery St., 3rd Floor, San Francisco. Sponsored by The Bar Association of San Francisco Family Law Section.
Join Deborah H. Wald, United Family Court Supervising Judge Anne-Christine Massullo, and attorneys Janet Frankel, David Fink, Kelly Robbins, and David Youngsmith for a discussion of family law topics including mediation, law practice management, propety rights, procedure, spousal support child custody, child support, parenting issues, taxation attorney fees, and new legislation. MCLE Credit available.
REPRESENTING THE CUSTODY AND VISITATION OF NON-PARENTS AND ADDITIONAL PARENTS Thursday October 29, 2015, Family Law Conference, Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Paso Robles, CA Sponsored by CEB – California
Join attorneys Deborah H. Wald and Vanessa Kirker Wright for an informative discussion on topics including visitation rights of grandparents and others, cases with more than two potential parents, and the rights of parents acting in loco parents. MCLE credit available.
LGBT FAMILY PLANNING SEMIMAR: Understand the Financial, Legal and Medical Side of Surrogacy Monday October 26, 2015, 12-1:15pm, The Commonwealth Club, 555 Post St, SF, CA
Join Deborah H. Wald, Brandon Miller, CEO Brio Financial Group, Judy Appel, ED, Our Family Coalition, Dr. Isabelle P. Ryan MD, Pacific Fertility Center, and Michelle Meow, for a informative discussion on surrogacy and LGBT family planning.
PARENTAGE AND CUSTODY ISSUES FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES WITH CHILDREN Tuesday October 13, 2015, 12:15-1:15pm, Alameda County Superior Court, Dept 302, 2233 Shoreline Drive, Alameda, CA Sponsored the Alameda County Family Law Association
Ms. Wald is a Certified Family Law Specialist who has been in practice for almost 30 years. One of her areas of expertise is the laws impact on lesbian, gay and transgender families and she has been actively involved in shaping California’s legislative approach to all three of these areas, including multiple appellate cases. Join her for this informative discussion.
WHEN THREE IS NOT A CROWD (Program 95) Saturday October 10, 2015, 2-3:30pm, Advanced Course, 88th Annual Meeting, State Bar of CA, Anaheim Marriott, Anaheim, CA Sponsored by The State Bar of California
Join Deborah H. Wald and Diane Goodman, APC, for an informative discussion on the new California multi-parent law. California judges now have the discretion to determine that a child has more than two legal parents if necessary to avoid detriment to the child. Speakers will discuss appropriate applications of the law, including where there are Voluntary Declarations of Paternity, where the children have been parented by multiple fathers, in same-sex headed families, and where multiple jurisdictions are involved. CLE credit available.
CREATING SECURE LGBT FAMILIES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW NOW Monday October 5, 2015, 8:30-9:30am, Sponsored by AAAA/AAARTA Chicago Mid-Year Conference, Chicago, IL
Join attorneys Deborah H. Wald, Debra E. Guston, and moderator Richard B. Vaughn for an informative discussion.
SURROGACY: MEDICAL, EMOTIONAL, ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES Friday October 2, 2015, 12noon to 1:30pm, BASF Conference Center, 301 Battery Street, 3rd Floor, San Francisco Sponsored by BASF (Bar Assocation of San Francisco)
Join attorneys Deborah H. Wald and Stephen Page, Dr. Isabelle P. Ryan M.D, Peggy Orlin MFT and moderator Dennis Hanshew for a discussion on topics related to surrogacy. CLE credit available.
AFTER OBERGEFELL: THE CONTINUED COMPLEXITY OF REPRESENTING LGBT CLIENTS IN FAMILY LAW MATTERS (Webinar) Wednesday September 30, 2015, 12noon to 1:30pm Sponsored by Continuing Education of the Bar – California (CEB)
Join attorneys Deborah H. Wald and Emily Doskow for a discussion on the Obergefell decision, and an analysis on continued areas of complexity for practicing family law attorneys now that marriage equality has come to all 50 states. CLE credit available.
LEGAL PARENTAGE AFTER SURROGACY September 26, 2015, 2:40-3:05pm, Jewish Community Center, 3200 California Street, San Francisco Sponsored by Families Through Surrogacy & Families Through Surrogacy US Conference
What recognition is available for US Surrogacy? What legal costs should I budget for? What are the differences for International Surrogacy? How does step-parent adoption work? Join Deborah H. Wald for an informative discussion on Surrogacy Law.
WHO’S YOUR DADDY – PARENTAGE ISSUES Saturday August 29, 2015, 11:15-12:15PM, CCCBA, 2300 Clayton, Ste 510, Concord , CA Sponsored by Minors Counsel Training – All Day Program, and the Contra Costa County Bar Association
Join Deborah H. Wald for a discussion on the new California multi-parent law.
2015 LAVENDAR LAW CONFERENCE & FAMILY LAW INSTITUTE
August 6-8, 2015, Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago, IL
Sponsored by the National LGBT Bar Association
Join Deborah H. Wald who will be moderating panel discussions at the Family Law Institute on strategies for litigating complex divorce, custody and parentage disputes, and broader strategies for protecting LGBT parent-child relationships. By invitation only.
PARENTAGE LAW/CORRECT APPLICATION OF THE NEW MULTI-PARENT LAW Wednesday June 10, 2015 12-1:15pm, Contra Costa Country Club, 801 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill, CA Hosted by The Contra Costa County Bar Association Family Law Section
Join Deborah H. Wald for a discussion on the new California multi-parent law. MCLE credit available.
DISCUSSION ON THE LAW AND PSYCHOLOGY OF ASSISTED REPRODUCTION Wednesday June 3, 2015, 7pm, live broadcast Sponsored by Your Legal Rights, KALW Radio 91.7FM, hosted by Chuck Finney
Join Deborah Wald and Peggy Orlin, MFT for a live on-air discussion and Q&A.
SAME SEX, DIFFERENT ISSUES: ADDRESSING LEGAL COMPLEXITIES FACING LGBT FAMILIES (Session #19)
Friday May 15, 2015, 10:15-11:30am, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Sponsored by American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Family Law Conference May 13-15, 2015
Join Deborah H. Wald and and Deb L. Kinney for this panel. Same-sex and transgender couples and families face different legal and tax treatment because of where they live, how they have accumulated assets or myriad other reasons. Learn what issues to consider in order to provide excellent services to these families. Participants will: (1) develop an understanding of the complexity of assessing the relationship status of same-sex and transgender couples; (2) develop an understanding of some of the challenges same-sex couples face in organizing their financial affairs; (3) develop a greater awareness of the tax issues facing same-sex couples; (4) develop an understanding of the challenges facing LGBT families with children.
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN IT’S OVA Thursday May 7, 2015, 10-11am Carlsbad, CA Sponsored by American Bar Association (ABA) May 6-9, 2015 CLE Spring Meeting, Family Law Section, Assisted Reproductive Technology Committee
Join moderator Deborah H. Wald, Dr. Kim Bergman, PhD, Stephanie M. Caballero, Esq., and Stephen Page, Esq. for this informative CLE. While it might be sunshine and roses when planning to have a baby through ART, relationships can end, sometimes poorly. We’ll explore how to avoid disaster, and what happens if disaster strikes. Who gets to keep the sperm, eggs and embryos, and what use may be had of them.
LEGAL CONSIDERATION FOR EFFECTIVE CONTRACTS, INSURANCE, AND PATERNITY RIGHTS
January 10, 2015 11-12pm, Rainbow Room 2nd Floor, SF LGBT Center 1800 Market Street
Hosted by Men Having Babies & Our Family Coalition
Join Deborah H. Wald, Dr. Eldon Schriock, M.D., Pacific Fertility Care, Dr. Collin Smikle, M.D., Medical Director Laurel Fertility Care, and Gail Anderson, Ed.M, Founder Donor Concierge, for a panel of medical, psychological, and legal experts who will provide an overview of the entire surrogacy process for gay men. Legal topics to include: legal constraints for surrogacy and gay parental rights in various jurisdictions/states; impact of DOMA; contracts between intended families, surrogates and donors – expectations, enforceability, avoiding disputes; laws and practices that affect insurance coverage; establishing parentage and the legal relationship with the child (including pre/post birth order and second parent adoption).
